Kraft Food layoffs delayed until spring 2016

Kraft Foods announced the scheduled layoffs of 275 workers in Adair County has been postponed until spring 2016.

The layoffs, expected to eliminate 2,500 jobs nationally, were announced last fall following a decision to consolidate all bacon manufacturing to a production plant in Ohio.

The layoffs were scheduled to take place during 2015, but the timeline has been pushed back after Heinz purchased a majority interest in the company during March. No layoffs are expected to take place until at least the end of the first quarter of 2016.

Carolyn Chrisman, Kirksville Regional Economic Development director, said local officials continue to work with Kraft Foods as Kraft pursues the possibility of bringing in new production lines.